WASHINGTON (AP) -- The public should pressure President Bush and his Republican allies in Congress to change energy policies that have led to record gasoline prices and intense economic pressures on working people, veteran Democratic Sen. Frank Lautenberg said Saturday.

"It's long past time to change our national priorities," the New Jersey senator said in the Democrats' weekly radio address. "We know there's little hope that President Bush will suddenly wake up and see the light. But unfortunately, his Republican allies in Congress continue to stand by his side, with the oil and energy companies for the status quo and against the American people."

Lautenberg said Democrats are attempting to change the nation's approach to energy but face stiff resistance from Bush and his allies.

"Democrats are fighting hard for change, and we have made real progress," Lautenberg said. "We passed a new energy bill that begins to turn the tide by improving gas mileage for cars and trucks, investing in clean, renewable fuels and other smart energy steps, such as improving the energy efficiency of our buildings."

Another short-term problem is reducing the market speculation that drives up fuel prices. But the long-term answer is to cut the nation's dependency on fossil fuel, he said.

"Our country burns 21 million gallons of oil every day," he said. "Two-thirds of that oil is imported from unstable regions of the world, run by governments who are not our friends.

"The long-term solution to our energy crisis lies in alternative fuels and efficiency. If we aggressively promote innovation in solar, wind, biofuels and geothermal power, we can help lower energy prices, turn the tide on global warming and strengthen our national security."

Making those changes would result in "hundreds of thousands of good new jobs" in this country, he said. But he warned that "Republicans won't break with the status quo easily. The grip of Big Oil and energy companies is strong."

"That's why we need you to help us keep the pressure on President Bush and the Republicans who are intent on rewarding their oil friends while they stick the American people with the bill," Lautenberg said.

Republican National Committee spokesman Danny Diaz responded by saying GOP presidential nominee John McCain has superior energy proposals to those offered by Democrats.

"While Democrats in Congress fail to address the issue," Diaz said, "Senator McCain has put forward a plan that delivers short-term relief at the pump and a long-term strategy to increase our nation's energy independence."

McCain recently called for a summer-long suspension of the federal gasoline tax and several tax cuts.

Lautenberg's radio address provided added publicity for the senator, who's facing a challenge from Rep. Rob Andrews in the June 3 primary. Morristown Mayor Donald Cresitello is also running for the Democratic nomination.